Director of Development

The American Parkinson Disease Association is currently seeking a Development Director to join their growing organization. This is a full-time, exempt,
hybrid role (a blend of work from home and in-person) and must live in the greater Chicagoland Area
, to serve the community and attend meetings and events. The Chapter seeks a Director of Development to lead a diverse portfolio of fundraising efforts, achieve sustainable growth and champion cultivation efforts in the region. The position is a full-time, exempt position which requires some evenings and weekends and includes travel locally, statewide, and regionally to cultivate relationships, engage constituents and attend local events and meetings.

The Chapter provides an array of dynamic, community-based programs and services and is well-poised for explosive revenue growth to support mission activities. The ideal candidate is familiar with the Chicagoland geography and culture, has knowledge of Parkinson’s disease, the healthcare, social service, and fundraising environments; has relationship-building skills and communications strengths; and possesses ability to multi-task, deliver exceptional customer service, and utilize keen problem-solving and judgment skills.

Every day, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) provides the support, education, research and community that helps everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest. APDA is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease, a chronic, neurological disorder, and works tirelessly to help the approximately one million people with Parkinson’s disease in the United States live life to the fullest.

Founded in 1961, American Parkinson Disease Association has raised and invested more than $338 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of Parkinson’s disease and ultimately put an end to this disease.

The Director of Development (DD) is responsible for leading revenue growth through strategic identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of corporate and individual prospects, as well as peer-to-peer events. This position will be responsible for cultivating and securing financial contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations in support of APDA’s events, activities, and programs, and by raising public awareness to maximize service delivery and revenue generation potential in the community.

The DD staffs board committees, and represents APDA to internal and external stakeholders, donors, prospects, and the public. Willing to ultimately help meet the objectives of American Parkinson Disease Association’s mission.

• Spearhead the development and achievement of annual event revenue and expense budgets for all major events and fundraising initiatives, in accordance with annual budget and work plan.
• Lead fundraising events including Optimism Walks and other event-based fundraising by handling planning, sponsorship, and logistics, with direct accountability for goals set forth in the annual budget.
• Recruit, train, motivate and manage event committees and event-day volunteers.
• Grow third party fundraising events and personal donation campaigns by establishing guidelines, resources and outreach methods and assist donors in implementation.
• Identify, cultivate, and secure new corporate sponsors while strengthening relationships with current and past sponsors to increase their level of support.
• Develop inspiring and compelling appeals and online fundraising campaigns.
• Develop solicitation materials, write proposals, and develop presentations.
• Oversee logistics before, day-of, and post-event, ensuring donor and sponsor benefits have been fulfilled with the highest level of customer service, and conducting post-event analysis, evaluations, and recommendations.
• Oversee preparation and maintenance of accurate records/data reports to evaluate, manage, and grow revenue.
• Maintain the integrity of donor and sponsor data in databases and publications.
• Manage and grow the grant writing program, including…